Mr. Clarkson and Mrs. Rose had an average of $180. After Mr. Clarkson spent $73 and Mrs. Rose received $38 from her father, Mr. Clarkson had 1/4 as much money as Mrs. Rose. How much money did each have at first?

Question

Mr. Clarkson and Mrs. Rose had an average of $180.  After Mr. Clarkson spent $73 and Mrs. Rose received $38 from her father, Mr. Clarkson had 1/4 as much money as Mrs. Rose.  How much money did each have at first?

Reiny · Accepted Answer

Clarkson --- x
Rose ------ y
but (x+y)/2 = 180
x+y = 360
y = 360-x

clarkson spent 73:
amount left = x-73

Rose got 38
her amount now = 360-x + 38 =398-x

clarkson has 1/4 as much as Rose
x-73 = (1/4)(398-x)
4x-292 = 398 - x
5x = 690
x = 138

Clarkson had $138
Rose had $222